To link to the entire object, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed the entire object, paste this HTML in websiteTo link to this page, paste this link in email, IM or documentTo embed this page, paste this HTML in website

Subr MARKETS. NEW YORK CITY. Average Price of Copper for week ending, September 12, 25.83. WEATHER- Thursday and Friday, fair; warmer north portion Thursday. Associated Press Special Leased Wire Service. Mm - i VOL.20. NO. 95. THE BISBEE DAILY REVIEW, THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27, 1917. PRICE FIVE CENTS TEUTONS ARE HIS FOR PEACE UPON QUEER IE1S Germany Agrees to Evacuate . and Share Compensation of Belgium is Assured of Economic Privileges There. (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept 26. Germany has agreed to evacuate eBlgium on certain conditions, it is declared in a German official statement, according to a dispatch from Berlin today given out by the wireless press. Germany, it is stipulated, must have the right to develop her economic enterprises in Belgium, especially in Antwerp, The proposal was made in a supplementaory note to the Vatican, replying to the peace initiative Of Pope Benedict. Agreement Verbal. It was In the form of a verbal communication made by Foreign Secretary Kuehlmann to the papal nuncio at Munich, wherein the foreign secretary specified the conditions under which Germany was willing to conclude peace on the basis Of the evacuation of Belgium. Would Share Compensation. The verbal note to the papal nuncio pays Germany would contribute a share of the compensation to be paid to Belgium for war damages. Belgium would be required, it is said, to give a guarantee that any such menace as that which threatened Germany in 1914, would in future be excluded. Belgium must undertake to maintain administrative separation of the Flander and Walloon districts introduced by Germany, the verbal note says, because this separation corresponds to the wishes of a majority of the Belgian people and because Germany desires such separation on account of racial sympathy. Preparedness, Pacifists I Teddy's Theme (By Review Leased Wire.) CAMP GRANT, ROCKFORD, III., Sept. 26. Preparedness and pacificists claimed equal shares of Theodore Roosevelt's attention in an address here today to the 20,000 new men of the new national army cantonment here. Included in his speech was the plea that his hearers, when they have finished the task they are about to tackle in Europe, become apostles of universal service. During his stay of less than two hours the colonel was whirled in a motor car through nearly 10 miles of cantonment streets, viewed one of the barracks, inspected sev-eral amusementp laces built for the recruits, delivered a fervid half-hour speech and within 10 minutes of its conclusion was aboard his special train, bound for Chicago. Military Efficiency. Military efficiency, described as "extraordinary" by army officers who accompanied the former president, marked the handling of the thousands of raw recruits as they were marched to the little valley behind camp headquarters where Colonel Rosevelt spoke. Greeting the khaki-clad throng, spread like a great blanket over the sides of the tree-encircled hollow in which he stood, as "the mobilized manhood, courage and patriotism of America," Colonel Roosevelt said: Abroad and Home. "You are about to fight the Hun across the sea and we are going to bask you by fighting the Hun in this country." Reviewing handicaps that are delaying the training, such as lack of equipment and arms, he urged each of his hearers, upon his return from the war. to preach the gospel of universal, obligatory military training. Denounces Parrying. "No man ever won a fight by parrying blows." he said. "Only hitting wins fi;Tlit s. The nation that can hit not orly v.ins its fights, but wins the respect of ether nations. This country will fulfill its aspirations and ideals only in proportion as it develops the spirit to fight for them." Losing (Ry Review Leased Wire.) NEW YORK. Sept. 26. William Bennett took the lead in the contest for the republican mayoralty nomination from Mayor Mitehel early this morning by a gain of 156 votes in the Seventeenth assembly district, which wiped out the apparent majority in the primary election last week. Mr. Bennett is 94 votes ahead. i WILL BE SHORT Guard Divisions Must Be Filled to War Strength and Special Services Recruited. Shortage of Men Certain. By H. view Leased Wire.) WASHINGTON, Sept. 26. There is little doubt now that a large deficiency of men will be shown when the first increment of the na ional army, 6S7,-000 men, has been mobilized. Seventeen national guard divisions must be brought 'up to war strength and several special reserve forces 'or ganized out of this reservoir, so the number of drafted men remaining at the cantonments haidly will be sufficient to organize the sixteen national army divisions at full strength basis. Whether incomplete divisions will be formed or a call tor more men issued has not been indicated. Figure Unavailable. Secretary Baker sa'd today that definite figures as to the number of national army men it would be necessary to transfer to the national guard were not available. A dual process of organization at the guard encampments serves to delay complete reports. Not jnly are these divisions being mobilized for the first time, but In the midst of thac mobilization the whole fabric of the infantry is being reorganized on the trench warfare plan. The New Division. The fighting strength of the new division is fixed at 27.500 men. The seventeen guard divisions on that basis will have a total (strength of 437,500 men. National Army Short. The guard probably brought into the federal service a total of not more than 300,000 men possibly less. It will take, therefore, at least 137.000 national army men to fill up the guard divisions. Another 100,000 of the national army will go to the air service and certainly as many more to Other special services. That would leave not more than 250,000 men to form the sixteen national army divisions which should have an aggregate war strength of 432,000. Re-Organization Difficult. Secretary Baker pointed out today some of the difficulties that attend the reorganization of the national guard for war purposes. While the sixteen division plan for the guard, since extended to seventeen with the organization of the forty-second, or "rainbow" division, is an old one, the whole rao-ric of the divisions has been changed. With the adoption of the European regimental and company standard, every guard regiment which was to be included in a division, had to be expanded. Regiments and parts of regiments are being consolidated to furnish the 3.600 men regimental units now desired. Guard Consolidations. In making these consolidations, the department is attempting to keep the forces as much localized as possible. In assigning men from the national army to national guard units, wherever prac tical. national army men will go to regiments from their own states. There are many cases, however, wnere the practice will have to be abandoned to meet military necessities. The guard consolidation has brought upon the department a new source of trouble. Numerous colonels and regimental staffs Of thj guard are certain to be left without commands, since the number of regiments has been reduced. The policy of the department, it is said, will be to hnd places for such guard oflicers in other forces as far as possible and desirable. Soukhomlinoff Gets Life Term (By Review Leased Wlre PETROGRAD, Sept. 26. Genenl Soukhomlinof. former minister of war, was sentenced to hard labor for life, after conviction of the charge of high treason in he court here today. Madapie Soukboml nolf was acquitted.II A Tl AIM ARMY HI MANY THOUSANDS THAT MEXICO WILL BECOME ALLY PREDICTION Prominent American Sees Adjoining Nation Following Lead of Many South American Republics In War. (By Review Lease Wirei EL PASO, Texas, Sept 26. A prediction tha; Mexico would follow Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Paraguay by breaking off relations with Ger many was made here tonight by an American v.ho has large interests in Mexicon, but who declined to permit his name to be used. He said indications had been pointing to such a ni'jve by Mexico during the past mon'.h. The suppression of anti-American papers in Mexico, said to have been controlled by German in terests; the change in attitude of General Alvaro Obregon, General Francisco Murguia and other prominent Mexican Officers and the request for a lean to Mexico were seme of these indications of Mexico's aUitude toward the United States and the allies, he said. Obregon Tours U. S. General Obregon is now making a tour of the United States, accompanied by an American army officer. Although he holds no official title with the Mex ican government he is considered the strongest man in Mexico next to President Carranza. Tonight he seut ior Andres Garcia, inspector general of Mexican consulates in the United States, who is known for his pro-American, proally sentiments. He will join General Obregon in Los Angeles Thursday and accompany him east. Murguia Friendly. When General 'Murguia came to Juarez Sunday he was accompanied by the French consul at Chichuahua City and his expressions while here were extremely friendly to Americans in direct contrast to his former visit when he had the eGrman consul and a party of Germans as his guests. Embargo Has Effect. Theembargo on foodstuffs 10 all but allied countries has begun to make itself felt in Mexico and there is a strong demand in the north to have Mexico align itself wl:h the allies in order to have the food embargo lifted. The German sentiment in the north has also been , waning for the past month and a more friendly American feeling has taken Us place. Diplomatic disclosures by the United States showing the perfidy of German diplomats in Argentina and Mexico have alho had the effect of turning public sentiment in Mexico, to the allies, the American said. Americans Are Shown Liquid Fire in Action AMERICAN TRAINING CAMP IN FRANCE. Sept. 26. (By Associated Press.) The American troops training in France have just had their bap- lisiu ui iiquiu uic ii v. as l rAuv lij . a baptism, but near enough to the rear thine to be decidedly Impressive. They i watched with eloquent silence a French demonstration of what is without question the most diabolical form of frightfulness which has grown Out An Older Model. The flame-thrower used was comparatively small, one of the older models, but the rotating stream of fire it emitted, with great clouds Of intense black smoke curling hundreds of feet in the air, gave the openeyed soldiers a wholesome idea of what some phases of modern warfare are like. Humor To Rescue. The men, when the first shock of surprise at theterrible weapon had worn off, however, began to make humorous remarks and seemed to enjoy the latter end of the demonstration with the keen sense of American indifference to danger. On esoldier convulsed the big company by shouting: "Oh, bo, bo, don't I wish I had been better at Sunday school?" Another renewed the merriment by exclaiming: "Captain, please tell when the next boat leave for home;" while a third added: "this sure ain't no place for a nervous man." The demonstration had a two-fold purpose, first to acquaint the men with 1 penetrated German trenches, destroy-the character of a weapon which could pj dugouts and brought back prison- easily terrorize the uninitiated, and , second to teach the means of defense and self protection against even the most fiendish of Germanflammenwer-fers. ASCENDANCY WEST LIES 1 ALLIES SAYS BARER Secretary of War Baker Is sues First of American Official Statements Dealing With Great European War. (By Review Leased Wire.) WASHINGTON. Sept. 26. The American government's first official statement concerning military operations in Europe wns issued by Secretary Baker, inaugurating a series which in time will be devoted largely to activities: of the United States expeditionary forces. It says that while ascendancy on the western front has passed definitely to the allies, they are content merely to wsar down the enemy until the force of the American army makes itself felt in the field. Operations for the week ending September 22 are reviewed by Mr. Baker without reference to the American fcrce now in France. The statement says: "The secretary of war authorizes the foreign statement dealing with military activities in Europe for the week ending September 22: Enemy at Disadvantage "As the time draws near when military operations on a large scale on the western force must come to a standstill, owing to the approach of winter, it becomes evident that the enemy does not feel himself in a position to undertake themuch-advertised offensive action so often boasted of at home during during the past summer, in order to end the war victoriously by Chrisimas. Tactics of Attrition "It may be stated affirmatively that the ascendancy in the west has passed definitely to the allies, although the latter are content by tactics of attrition to wear down the enmy, giving no rest or respite until such a time as the force of our army may make itself felt in the field. "The week just closed has been one of increased activity on the part of the allies on the western front, and may be taken as a presage of what the enemy is to expect next spring. British Artillery "Beginning with desultory artillery fire along a broad front, which gradually narrowed down to an intense bombardment along what is known as the Anzac ridge, about one mile Bouth- west of Zonnebeke, southward through Nun's dood to the Ypres-Menin road, the British increased their artillery preparations to a density hitherto un- attained. "The early days of the week were marked by wet, foggy weather, making artillery observation difficult and any offensive undertaking almost impossi ble. Weather Clears "The weather having cleared by Thursday, September 20, the British launched their attack. The infantry attack was preceded by a barrage of greater depth and intensity than has ever before been undertaken in any - - engagement during the course of the. war. Five distinct curtains of fire! were stretched ahead of the men as they began to advance through No Man's Land. "In spite of the desperate resistance of the enemy, whose lines were protected by concrete dugouts scattered over a wide area and deep mud holes which impeded the attacking infantry, the British were able to gain important tactical positions. Remain in Control "In the face of six counter-attacks pushed home vigorously by the enemy, the British remained in full pos- I session Ol ine cn" uii-u uujninrs, which they still holt!. "In other sectors of the western front there have been trench raids on a large scale and general activity of some importance. Germans Unsuccessful "While the British were busily engaged in breaking don the enemy rcs'stance in Khir.ih rs, the Germans i t tempted minor Aversions along the I lench line, particularly northeast ol Nancy, which ver unsuccessful. "Eaf. of Craonne "he French artillery broke un nn pttempttd German attack, while Frtnch detachments ers in the region of Godnt. Great Air Activity "The week has witnessed great ac- (Coutiuued on I'age Six.) 1 Decrease (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept. 26. Thirteen British merchantmen, of 16i0 tops and over and two vessels of less than lfiOit tons were sunk by mines or submarines last week, according to the weekly admiralty statement issued this evening. In Ihe angrejsate this is the smallest number of vessels Bunk during any one week, since Germany bejan her intensified submarine warfare last February. Two fishing vessels also were sunk last week. The statement follows: "Arrivals, 2775; sailings. 2691. "British merhantmen over 1600 tons sunk by mine or submarine, including one previously, 13; under 1600 tons, 2. "Fishing vessels sunk, 2. "British merchantmen unsuccessfully attacked, including three previously, 10." OF TEUTONS GREAT IN BIUATTLE Uninviting Ground is Crossed By British Forces In Battle. Germans Contest Every Foot of Terrain. Fiel.l Marshal Halg's men again are striking in Flanders and the force of their blow, like that of those who have preceded it, is meeting with good results on a front of nearly six miles Notwithstanding the necessity of carrying the battle to Crown Prince Rupprecht across uninviting ground virtually a morass owing to recent rains the English, Scotch and Australian troops have snatched valuable vantage points from the Germans. but not without terrific opposition. The battle at last accounts was still raging with the Germans fighting with unusual bitterness. British Were Harassed. Haig's new thrust was delivered from the base of front line positions captured and consolidated last week, before which the Germans held numerous vantage points of strategic value, barring the way to further in-roals by the British or for harassing the British line by machine gun and rifle bullets. As on previous occasions, Haig loos ed a veritable inferno of artillery fire against the Germans before launching his attack early Wednesday an when night fell many important positions had been ridded of the enemy. Significant Point. Probably the most significant gain of the Brltishfi which the Germans assert was to a depth of two-thirds of a mile at certain points, was near Zonnebeke, to wlthtin a few hundred yards of the western outskirts of which village they penatrated, placing them about six miles from the railway running from Ostend to Lille. The cutting of this line would seriously affect the transport of the Germans from their naval bases at Ostend and Zeebrugge. Ostend Shelled. - Prior to the land attack British aviators heavily shelled Ostend and again Wednesday afternoon they repeated the bombardment. Meanwhile naval airplanes dropped bombs on towns in northern Belgium with good results. Other Fronts Quiet. On the other fronts, except in the Champagne and Verdun sectors of the line in France no hostilities of great importance are in progress. Before Verdun the big guns are again roaring in a mightly duel, evidently the forerunner of big infantry operations in the near future. In Champagne the French are heavily shelling the positions of the German crown prince. Patrol Engagements. In the Austro-Italian theater the Italians continue successful patrol engagements against the Austrians and air raids on military establishments. The sinking of British merchantmen by mines and submarines last week was smaller in the aggregate than during any week since Germany started her intensive submarine campaign. In all 15 merchantmen were destroyed. NAVAL BASE BOMBARDED. (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept. 26. The German naval base of Ostend on the Belgian roast was bombarded yesterday by British naval forces. British aerial patrols over the fleet encountered six hostile airplanes and downed two. OPPOSITION BRITISH DRIVE BIG NTO GERMAN YPRES: FiB Field Marshal Haig Directs His Forces Over Six-Mile Front In Successful Thrust Against Hun Trenches and Works. Berlin Admits Penetration of Front Line to An Extent of Two-thirds of a Mile. (By Review Leased Wire.) BRITISH FRONT IM FRANCE AND BELGIUM. Sept. 26. Another heavy attack was delivered by the British at daybreak today against the German positions east of Ypres and early reports showed that the assaulting troops had pushed the enemy out of many important positions. The offensive was started along the greater part of the line that the British reached in last Thursday's battle, extending from east of St. Julien to southwest of Gheluvelt. Along the northwestern half of the line of attack the British success was marked, but meager details have been received from the sector of Polygon Wood and south of that place. On the north, advance of from a thousand to 1 200 yards was made quickly at numerous places, and it was reported that strong British troops were engaged in fierce fighting only a few hundred yards west of Sonnebeke. The Germans are resisting desperately, and along a front of about a thousand yards astride the Ypres-Menin road a terrific struggle has been proceeding. Important Points Involved. The most important points involved in the new offensive, as was the case six day3 ago, lay directly east of the city of Ypres, between the Ypres-Roulers railway and the Ypres-Menin highway. Here are situated those strongly-held elevations that still remain to the Germans out of the numerous ridges and forests which formed a vital part of their defense in this section of Belguim. Last Thursday they suffered a crushing blow in the loss of such strong-holds as Anzac, Nun's Wood, Glencorse Wood and Inverness Copse and now an ever-rising tide 3 reaching out for still more. Australians, Scoth and English troops this morning were pushing out into a difficult country, over ground still sodden from rains and floods, among concrete and steel redoubts heavily armed with machine guns, over elevations and through bits of wood choked with rapid-firers. They might fail in' their object and still have covered themselves with glory. Germans Sensed Attack. The Germans undoubtedly knew that the attack was pending and it is probable that their heavy counter attacks yesterday and last night against the British positions on the ridge east of Ypres between Polygon Wood and Tower Hamlets were carried out in an attempt to frustrate the British plan. The battle started here yesterday and continued with great fury all night and it was along this bit of front that the bitterest work was being done this morning. Artillery Pounds Huns. 1 Six-Mile Front. The British artillery had been. "Our attack today was delivered on pounding the whole front Of the new a front of nearly six miles from south offensive for days, but last night a concentrated fire was turned on that section where the counter-attacks were made and the entire ground wr.s torn and smashed, together with the men, who, hidden under sparse she'ter were endeavoring to Lold this point of vantage. Guns of all calibres c line 10 me assistance oi me imanirv u-re and the bombardment for long periods maintained with drumfire intensity. The Australians, north of Polygon Wood, and the Scotch and English toi , . . 1 the north of the Anzacs appear to have met with nothing like the opposition encountered to the south. The Germans replied very weakly to the British bombardment prior to the atta'ctt north of the Ypres-Roulers railway. Enemy Reinforced. The enemy's main efforts early today were directed against the advance on the right of the offensive. His attacks azainst Tower Hamlets ridne. west of Gheluvelt, have undoubtedly been continued as a protection against possible attack on Zandvoorde ridge to the south. For days the Germans have been bringing up reinforcements in .anticipation of today's attack and unless all signs fail, much sanguinary fighting is to follow. The attack today was started at 5:50 in the morning and again the Infantry was preceded by great barrages. British Official. LONDON, Sept. 26. In an attack along six miles of front today the British troops captured an important position around Tower Hamlets and strong German field works, according to the official reports from Field Marshal Haig tonight. Powerful resistance was offered by the Germans throughout the day and they delivered many strong attacks. "But," says the British commander, "our operations were entirely successful." The statement reads: LINESEASTOF of Tower Hamlets to east of St. Julien. Our operations were entirely successful. "Later in the day the enemy delivered a series of heavy counter attacks along our new front, resulting in hard fighting, which is continuing at cer- ; perj0d8 Tower Hamlets Taken. "South of the Ypres-Menin road an attack was carried out by English troops completed the capture of the ,,;,., - ;j Tower Hamlets spur and gained pos- session of strong German field work on its eastern slopes, which formej our objectives. "A powerful counter attack in the direction of Gheluvelt was repulsed. "On the right of our main attack. English and Scottish battalions drove the enemy from his positions and accomplished the task allotted to them of securing the flank of our principal attack Nearly Mile Taken. "English, Scottish and Welsh battalions penetrated the enemy's defen? to a depth of nearly a mile, stormed Zonnebeke and gained the line of their objectives. "On the left of our attack on both sides of the Wieltje-Gravenstafel and St. Julien-Gravenstafel roads our line has been advanced to a depth of half a mile across a country defended by a large number of concrete redoubts. Enemy Losses Great. "Over 1,000 prisoners have been taken in these operations. A very largej number of German dead have been found and the' enemy's losses, both in our attacks and in his subsequent counter attacks, have again been heavy.' Berlin Acknowledges bERLIN, via London, Sept. 26. (Continued on Page Eight) CONTINUES

The contents of the Arizona Digital Newspaper Program (ADNP) are available to the public by our partners for using in research, teaching, and private study. Please note that U.S. Copyright and intellectual property laws apply to the digital resources made available through this site.

Subr MARKETS. NEW YORK CITY. Average Price of Copper for week ending, September 12, 25.83. WEATHER- Thursday and Friday, fair; warmer north portion Thursday. Associated Press Special Leased Wire Service. Mm - i VOL.20. NO. 95. THE BISBEE DAILY REVIEW, THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER 27, 1917. PRICE FIVE CENTS TEUTONS ARE HIS FOR PEACE UPON QUEER IE1S Germany Agrees to Evacuate . and Share Compensation of Belgium is Assured of Economic Privileges There. (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept 26. Germany has agreed to evacuate eBlgium on certain conditions, it is declared in a German official statement, according to a dispatch from Berlin today given out by the wireless press. Germany, it is stipulated, must have the right to develop her economic enterprises in Belgium, especially in Antwerp, The proposal was made in a supplementaory note to the Vatican, replying to the peace initiative Of Pope Benedict. Agreement Verbal. It was In the form of a verbal communication made by Foreign Secretary Kuehlmann to the papal nuncio at Munich, wherein the foreign secretary specified the conditions under which Germany was willing to conclude peace on the basis Of the evacuation of Belgium. Would Share Compensation. The verbal note to the papal nuncio pays Germany would contribute a share of the compensation to be paid to Belgium for war damages. Belgium would be required, it is said, to give a guarantee that any such menace as that which threatened Germany in 1914, would in future be excluded. Belgium must undertake to maintain administrative separation of the Flander and Walloon districts introduced by Germany, the verbal note says, because this separation corresponds to the wishes of a majority of the Belgian people and because Germany desires such separation on account of racial sympathy. Preparedness, Pacifists I Teddy's Theme (By Review Leased Wire.) CAMP GRANT, ROCKFORD, III., Sept. 26. Preparedness and pacificists claimed equal shares of Theodore Roosevelt's attention in an address here today to the 20,000 new men of the new national army cantonment here. Included in his speech was the plea that his hearers, when they have finished the task they are about to tackle in Europe, become apostles of universal service. During his stay of less than two hours the colonel was whirled in a motor car through nearly 10 miles of cantonment streets, viewed one of the barracks, inspected sev-eral amusementp laces built for the recruits, delivered a fervid half-hour speech and within 10 minutes of its conclusion was aboard his special train, bound for Chicago. Military Efficiency. Military efficiency, described as "extraordinary" by army officers who accompanied the former president, marked the handling of the thousands of raw recruits as they were marched to the little valley behind camp headquarters where Colonel Rosevelt spoke. Greeting the khaki-clad throng, spread like a great blanket over the sides of the tree-encircled hollow in which he stood, as "the mobilized manhood, courage and patriotism of America," Colonel Roosevelt said: Abroad and Home. "You are about to fight the Hun across the sea and we are going to bask you by fighting the Hun in this country." Reviewing handicaps that are delaying the training, such as lack of equipment and arms, he urged each of his hearers, upon his return from the war. to preach the gospel of universal, obligatory military training. Denounces Parrying. "No man ever won a fight by parrying blows." he said. "Only hitting wins fi;Tlit s. The nation that can hit not orly v.ins its fights, but wins the respect of ether nations. This country will fulfill its aspirations and ideals only in proportion as it develops the spirit to fight for them." Losing (Ry Review Leased Wire.) NEW YORK. Sept. 26. William Bennett took the lead in the contest for the republican mayoralty nomination from Mayor Mitehel early this morning by a gain of 156 votes in the Seventeenth assembly district, which wiped out the apparent majority in the primary election last week. Mr. Bennett is 94 votes ahead. i WILL BE SHORT Guard Divisions Must Be Filled to War Strength and Special Services Recruited. Shortage of Men Certain. By H. view Leased Wire.) WASHINGTON, Sept. 26. There is little doubt now that a large deficiency of men will be shown when the first increment of the na ional army, 6S7,-000 men, has been mobilized. Seventeen national guard divisions must be brought 'up to war strength and several special reserve forces 'or ganized out of this reservoir, so the number of drafted men remaining at the cantonments haidly will be sufficient to organize the sixteen national army divisions at full strength basis. Whether incomplete divisions will be formed or a call tor more men issued has not been indicated. Figure Unavailable. Secretary Baker sa'd today that definite figures as to the number of national army men it would be necessary to transfer to the national guard were not available. A dual process of organization at the guard encampments serves to delay complete reports. Not jnly are these divisions being mobilized for the first time, but In the midst of thac mobilization the whole fabric of the infantry is being reorganized on the trench warfare plan. The New Division. The fighting strength of the new division is fixed at 27.500 men. The seventeen guard divisions on that basis will have a total (strength of 437,500 men. National Army Short. The guard probably brought into the federal service a total of not more than 300,000 men possibly less. It will take, therefore, at least 137.000 national army men to fill up the guard divisions. Another 100,000 of the national army will go to the air service and certainly as many more to Other special services. That would leave not more than 250,000 men to form the sixteen national army divisions which should have an aggregate war strength of 432,000. Re-Organization Difficult. Secretary Baker pointed out today some of the difficulties that attend the reorganization of the national guard for war purposes. While the sixteen division plan for the guard, since extended to seventeen with the organization of the forty-second, or "rainbow" division, is an old one, the whole rao-ric of the divisions has been changed. With the adoption of the European regimental and company standard, every guard regiment which was to be included in a division, had to be expanded. Regiments and parts of regiments are being consolidated to furnish the 3.600 men regimental units now desired. Guard Consolidations. In making these consolidations, the department is attempting to keep the forces as much localized as possible. In assigning men from the national army to national guard units, wherever prac tical. national army men will go to regiments from their own states. There are many cases, however, wnere the practice will have to be abandoned to meet military necessities. The guard consolidation has brought upon the department a new source of trouble. Numerous colonels and regimental staffs Of thj guard are certain to be left without commands, since the number of regiments has been reduced. The policy of the department, it is said, will be to hnd places for such guard oflicers in other forces as far as possible and desirable. Soukhomlinoff Gets Life Term (By Review Leased Wlre PETROGRAD, Sept. 26. Genenl Soukhomlinof. former minister of war, was sentenced to hard labor for life, after conviction of the charge of high treason in he court here today. Madapie Soukboml nolf was acquitted.II A Tl AIM ARMY HI MANY THOUSANDS THAT MEXICO WILL BECOME ALLY PREDICTION Prominent American Sees Adjoining Nation Following Lead of Many South American Republics In War. (By Review Lease Wirei EL PASO, Texas, Sept 26. A prediction tha; Mexico would follow Argentina, Peru, Ecuador and Paraguay by breaking off relations with Ger many was made here tonight by an American v.ho has large interests in Mexicon, but who declined to permit his name to be used. He said indications had been pointing to such a ni'jve by Mexico during the past mon'.h. The suppression of anti-American papers in Mexico, said to have been controlled by German in terests; the change in attitude of General Alvaro Obregon, General Francisco Murguia and other prominent Mexican Officers and the request for a lean to Mexico were seme of these indications of Mexico's aUitude toward the United States and the allies, he said. Obregon Tours U. S. General Obregon is now making a tour of the United States, accompanied by an American army officer. Although he holds no official title with the Mex ican government he is considered the strongest man in Mexico next to President Carranza. Tonight he seut ior Andres Garcia, inspector general of Mexican consulates in the United States, who is known for his pro-American, proally sentiments. He will join General Obregon in Los Angeles Thursday and accompany him east. Murguia Friendly. When General 'Murguia came to Juarez Sunday he was accompanied by the French consul at Chichuahua City and his expressions while here were extremely friendly to Americans in direct contrast to his former visit when he had the eGrman consul and a party of Germans as his guests. Embargo Has Effect. Theembargo on foodstuffs 10 all but allied countries has begun to make itself felt in Mexico and there is a strong demand in the north to have Mexico align itself wl:h the allies in order to have the food embargo lifted. The German sentiment in the north has also been , waning for the past month and a more friendly American feeling has taken Us place. Diplomatic disclosures by the United States showing the perfidy of German diplomats in Argentina and Mexico have alho had the effect of turning public sentiment in Mexico, to the allies, the American said. Americans Are Shown Liquid Fire in Action AMERICAN TRAINING CAMP IN FRANCE. Sept. 26. (By Associated Press.) The American troops training in France have just had their bap- lisiu ui iiquiu uic ii v. as l rAuv lij . a baptism, but near enough to the rear thine to be decidedly Impressive. They i watched with eloquent silence a French demonstration of what is without question the most diabolical form of frightfulness which has grown Out An Older Model. The flame-thrower used was comparatively small, one of the older models, but the rotating stream of fire it emitted, with great clouds Of intense black smoke curling hundreds of feet in the air, gave the openeyed soldiers a wholesome idea of what some phases of modern warfare are like. Humor To Rescue. The men, when the first shock of surprise at theterrible weapon had worn off, however, began to make humorous remarks and seemed to enjoy the latter end of the demonstration with the keen sense of American indifference to danger. On esoldier convulsed the big company by shouting: "Oh, bo, bo, don't I wish I had been better at Sunday school?" Another renewed the merriment by exclaiming: "Captain, please tell when the next boat leave for home;" while a third added: "this sure ain't no place for a nervous man." The demonstration had a two-fold purpose, first to acquaint the men with 1 penetrated German trenches, destroy-the character of a weapon which could pj dugouts and brought back prison- easily terrorize the uninitiated, and , second to teach the means of defense and self protection against even the most fiendish of Germanflammenwer-fers. ASCENDANCY WEST LIES 1 ALLIES SAYS BARER Secretary of War Baker Is sues First of American Official Statements Dealing With Great European War. (By Review Leased Wire.) WASHINGTON. Sept. 26. The American government's first official statement concerning military operations in Europe wns issued by Secretary Baker, inaugurating a series which in time will be devoted largely to activities: of the United States expeditionary forces. It says that while ascendancy on the western front has passed definitely to the allies, they are content merely to wsar down the enemy until the force of the American army makes itself felt in the field. Operations for the week ending September 22 are reviewed by Mr. Baker without reference to the American fcrce now in France. The statement says: "The secretary of war authorizes the foreign statement dealing with military activities in Europe for the week ending September 22: Enemy at Disadvantage "As the time draws near when military operations on a large scale on the western force must come to a standstill, owing to the approach of winter, it becomes evident that the enemy does not feel himself in a position to undertake themuch-advertised offensive action so often boasted of at home during during the past summer, in order to end the war victoriously by Chrisimas. Tactics of Attrition "It may be stated affirmatively that the ascendancy in the west has passed definitely to the allies, although the latter are content by tactics of attrition to wear down the enmy, giving no rest or respite until such a time as the force of our army may make itself felt in the field. "The week just closed has been one of increased activity on the part of the allies on the western front, and may be taken as a presage of what the enemy is to expect next spring. British Artillery "Beginning with desultory artillery fire along a broad front, which gradually narrowed down to an intense bombardment along what is known as the Anzac ridge, about one mile Bouth- west of Zonnebeke, southward through Nun's dood to the Ypres-Menin road, the British increased their artillery preparations to a density hitherto un- attained. "The early days of the week were marked by wet, foggy weather, making artillery observation difficult and any offensive undertaking almost impossi ble. Weather Clears "The weather having cleared by Thursday, September 20, the British launched their attack. The infantry attack was preceded by a barrage of greater depth and intensity than has ever before been undertaken in any - - engagement during the course of the. war. Five distinct curtains of fire! were stretched ahead of the men as they began to advance through No Man's Land. "In spite of the desperate resistance of the enemy, whose lines were protected by concrete dugouts scattered over a wide area and deep mud holes which impeded the attacking infantry, the British were able to gain important tactical positions. Remain in Control "In the face of six counter-attacks pushed home vigorously by the enemy, the British remained in full pos- I session Ol ine cn" uii-u uujninrs, which they still holt!. "In other sectors of the western front there have been trench raids on a large scale and general activity of some importance. Germans Unsuccessful "While the British were busily engaged in breaking don the enemy rcs'stance in Khir.ih rs, the Germans i t tempted minor Aversions along the I lench line, particularly northeast ol Nancy, which ver unsuccessful. "Eaf. of Craonne "he French artillery broke un nn pttempttd German attack, while Frtnch detachments ers in the region of Godnt. Great Air Activity "The week has witnessed great ac- (Coutiuued on I'age Six.) 1 Decrease (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept. 26. Thirteen British merchantmen, of 16i0 tops and over and two vessels of less than lfiOit tons were sunk by mines or submarines last week, according to the weekly admiralty statement issued this evening. In Ihe angrejsate this is the smallest number of vessels Bunk during any one week, since Germany bejan her intensified submarine warfare last February. Two fishing vessels also were sunk last week. The statement follows: "Arrivals, 2775; sailings. 2691. "British merhantmen over 1600 tons sunk by mine or submarine, including one previously, 13; under 1600 tons, 2. "Fishing vessels sunk, 2. "British merchantmen unsuccessfully attacked, including three previously, 10." OF TEUTONS GREAT IN BIUATTLE Uninviting Ground is Crossed By British Forces In Battle. Germans Contest Every Foot of Terrain. Fiel.l Marshal Halg's men again are striking in Flanders and the force of their blow, like that of those who have preceded it, is meeting with good results on a front of nearly six miles Notwithstanding the necessity of carrying the battle to Crown Prince Rupprecht across uninviting ground virtually a morass owing to recent rains the English, Scotch and Australian troops have snatched valuable vantage points from the Germans. but not without terrific opposition. The battle at last accounts was still raging with the Germans fighting with unusual bitterness. British Were Harassed. Haig's new thrust was delivered from the base of front line positions captured and consolidated last week, before which the Germans held numerous vantage points of strategic value, barring the way to further in-roals by the British or for harassing the British line by machine gun and rifle bullets. As on previous occasions, Haig loos ed a veritable inferno of artillery fire against the Germans before launching his attack early Wednesday an when night fell many important positions had been ridded of the enemy. Significant Point. Probably the most significant gain of the Brltishfi which the Germans assert was to a depth of two-thirds of a mile at certain points, was near Zonnebeke, to wlthtin a few hundred yards of the western outskirts of which village they penatrated, placing them about six miles from the railway running from Ostend to Lille. The cutting of this line would seriously affect the transport of the Germans from their naval bases at Ostend and Zeebrugge. Ostend Shelled. - Prior to the land attack British aviators heavily shelled Ostend and again Wednesday afternoon they repeated the bombardment. Meanwhile naval airplanes dropped bombs on towns in northern Belgium with good results. Other Fronts Quiet. On the other fronts, except in the Champagne and Verdun sectors of the line in France no hostilities of great importance are in progress. Before Verdun the big guns are again roaring in a mightly duel, evidently the forerunner of big infantry operations in the near future. In Champagne the French are heavily shelling the positions of the German crown prince. Patrol Engagements. In the Austro-Italian theater the Italians continue successful patrol engagements against the Austrians and air raids on military establishments. The sinking of British merchantmen by mines and submarines last week was smaller in the aggregate than during any week since Germany started her intensive submarine campaign. In all 15 merchantmen were destroyed. NAVAL BASE BOMBARDED. (By Review Leased Wire.) LONDON, Sept. 26. The German naval base of Ostend on the Belgian roast was bombarded yesterday by British naval forces. British aerial patrols over the fleet encountered six hostile airplanes and downed two. OPPOSITION BRITISH DRIVE BIG NTO GERMAN YPRES: FiB Field Marshal Haig Directs His Forces Over Six-Mile Front In Successful Thrust Against Hun Trenches and Works. Berlin Admits Penetration of Front Line to An Extent of Two-thirds of a Mile. (By Review Leased Wire.) BRITISH FRONT IM FRANCE AND BELGIUM. Sept. 26. Another heavy attack was delivered by the British at daybreak today against the German positions east of Ypres and early reports showed that the assaulting troops had pushed the enemy out of many important positions. The offensive was started along the greater part of the line that the British reached in last Thursday's battle, extending from east of St. Julien to southwest of Gheluvelt. Along the northwestern half of the line of attack the British success was marked, but meager details have been received from the sector of Polygon Wood and south of that place. On the north, advance of from a thousand to 1 200 yards was made quickly at numerous places, and it was reported that strong British troops were engaged in fierce fighting only a few hundred yards west of Sonnebeke. The Germans are resisting desperately, and along a front of about a thousand yards astride the Ypres-Menin road a terrific struggle has been proceeding. Important Points Involved. The most important points involved in the new offensive, as was the case six day3 ago, lay directly east of the city of Ypres, between the Ypres-Roulers railway and the Ypres-Menin highway. Here are situated those strongly-held elevations that still remain to the Germans out of the numerous ridges and forests which formed a vital part of their defense in this section of Belguim. Last Thursday they suffered a crushing blow in the loss of such strong-holds as Anzac, Nun's Wood, Glencorse Wood and Inverness Copse and now an ever-rising tide 3 reaching out for still more. Australians, Scoth and English troops this morning were pushing out into a difficult country, over ground still sodden from rains and floods, among concrete and steel redoubts heavily armed with machine guns, over elevations and through bits of wood choked with rapid-firers. They might fail in' their object and still have covered themselves with glory. Germans Sensed Attack. The Germans undoubtedly knew that the attack was pending and it is probable that their heavy counter attacks yesterday and last night against the British positions on the ridge east of Ypres between Polygon Wood and Tower Hamlets were carried out in an attempt to frustrate the British plan. The battle started here yesterday and continued with great fury all night and it was along this bit of front that the bitterest work was being done this morning. Artillery Pounds Huns. 1 Six-Mile Front. The British artillery had been. "Our attack today was delivered on pounding the whole front Of the new a front of nearly six miles from south offensive for days, but last night a concentrated fire was turned on that section where the counter-attacks were made and the entire ground wr.s torn and smashed, together with the men, who, hidden under sparse she'ter were endeavoring to Lold this point of vantage. Guns of all calibres c line 10 me assistance oi me imanirv u-re and the bombardment for long periods maintained with drumfire intensity. The Australians, north of Polygon Wood, and the Scotch and English toi , . . 1 the north of the Anzacs appear to have met with nothing like the opposition encountered to the south. The Germans replied very weakly to the British bombardment prior to the atta'ctt north of the Ypres-Roulers railway. Enemy Reinforced. The enemy's main efforts early today were directed against the advance on the right of the offensive. His attacks azainst Tower Hamlets ridne. west of Gheluvelt, have undoubtedly been continued as a protection against possible attack on Zandvoorde ridge to the south. For days the Germans have been bringing up reinforcements in .anticipation of today's attack and unless all signs fail, much sanguinary fighting is to follow. The attack today was started at 5:50 in the morning and again the Infantry was preceded by great barrages. British Official. LONDON, Sept. 26. In an attack along six miles of front today the British troops captured an important position around Tower Hamlets and strong German field works, according to the official reports from Field Marshal Haig tonight. Powerful resistance was offered by the Germans throughout the day and they delivered many strong attacks. "But," says the British commander, "our operations were entirely successful." The statement reads: LINESEASTOF of Tower Hamlets to east of St. Julien. Our operations were entirely successful. "Later in the day the enemy delivered a series of heavy counter attacks along our new front, resulting in hard fighting, which is continuing at cer- ; perj0d8 Tower Hamlets Taken. "South of the Ypres-Menin road an attack was carried out by English troops completed the capture of the ,,;,., - ;j Tower Hamlets spur and gained pos- session of strong German field work on its eastern slopes, which formej our objectives. "A powerful counter attack in the direction of Gheluvelt was repulsed. "On the right of our main attack. English and Scottish battalions drove the enemy from his positions and accomplished the task allotted to them of securing the flank of our principal attack Nearly Mile Taken. "English, Scottish and Welsh battalions penetrated the enemy's defen? to a depth of nearly a mile, stormed Zonnebeke and gained the line of their objectives. "On the left of our attack on both sides of the Wieltje-Gravenstafel and St. Julien-Gravenstafel roads our line has been advanced to a depth of half a mile across a country defended by a large number of concrete redoubts. Enemy Losses Great. "Over 1,000 prisoners have been taken in these operations. A very largej number of German dead have been found and the' enemy's losses, both in our attacks and in his subsequent counter attacks, have again been heavy.' Berlin Acknowledges bERLIN, via London, Sept. 26. (Continued on Page Eight) CONTINUES